(New York, 4 June 2008): United
Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency
Relief Coordinator John Holmes today expressed grave concern at a decision
by authorities in Zimbabwe to restrict efforts by humanitarian agencies
to deliver relief aid to those in need in that country.

'This goes against fundamental humanitarian
principles,' said Mr. Holmes. 'Humanitarian agencies must be allowed
to reach freely those who are in need in Zimbabwe. Millions of Zimbabweans
are unfortunately dependant on humanitarian aid in the present circumstances,'
Mr. Holmes said.

'Humanitarian agencies are guided by
the principles of neutrality and impartiality, their mandate being only
to alleviate the suffering of people in distress,' Mr. Holmes added. 'I
hope the Government of Zimbabwe will facilitate unrestricted access, as
well as safety and security, for humanitarian aid workers,' he said.

NGOs in Zimbabwe have been facing increasing
restrictions in the run up to the run-off presidential elections later
this month. More recently, NGOs in different parts of the country have
been ordered to suspend their operations, partially or totally. Aid programmes
that have been affected include school feeding programmes and those for
orphans and vulnerable children. According to UNICEF, those displaced by
election-related violence include more than 10,000 children.

Non-governmental organisations are key
implementing partners of UN agencies, and curtailing operations affects
the implementation of UN programmes in Zimbabwe.

The restrictions are also coming at time
when food security in Zimbabwe is deteriorating, leaving an increasing
number of people vulnerable. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization,
poor rainfall and lack of seeds mean that this year's harvest will be
worse than in 2007.

Aid operations in the country are intended
to benefit over four million Zimbabweans, or over one-third of the population.
In late 2007, 42 UN agencies and NGOs appealed for $317 million to provide
urgently needed aid to the country in 2008. Halfway through 2008, the Appeal
has been only 17% funded, and increased resources are urgently needed given
the increasingly difficult humanitarian situation in the country.